Mystery water, please advise...!

[Dawn]

So, I knew the 1.8 was soaked at the front when I got it, but as the plenums had water in, I assumed that was where it had come from. I've been trying to dry it at least a bit until I could sort another carpet, but tonight I noticed it was soaking wet again, and I mean soaking. Where else can clear water come from on a none sunroof model? It's dryer in the back than front by a long shot, and the boot isn't wet, so am assuming the leak is at the front. Driver's side worse than passenger but both wet. I *thought* I saw some water run from under the boot release button, but as it was raining hard as I got in at the time, I can't be sure.

Any ideas? Really desperate to figure this one, it really can't get any wetter and I will be blowing the side sensors

[Rev Jules]

Originally Posted by Dawn

So, I knew the 1.8 was soaked at the front when I got it, but as the plenums had water in, I assumed that was where it had come from. I've been trying to dry it at least a bit until I could sort another carpet, but tonight I noticed it was soaking wet again, and I mean soaking. Where else can clear water come from on a none sunroof model? It's dryer in the back than front by a long shot, and the boot isn't wet, so am assuming the leak is at the front. Driver's side worse than passenger but both wet. I *thought* I saw some water run from under the boot release button, but as it was raining hard as I got in at the time, I can't be sure.

Any ideas? Really desperate to figure this one, it really can't get any wetter and I will be blowing the side sensors

Is the off side drain tube in place, if not just a long shot there is a recess between the bulkhead and interior, could waterbe getting in that way, If I am wrong you experts please correct me.

Rev

[Dawn]

Well, the rubber bit that extends out under the car is there, you can actually see it from under the bonnet on the 1.8, and I had the unpleasant job of unblocking it when I got the car. I am convinced the water is leaking in and through the boot and bonnet switches if this is any help?! I was thinking maybe the scuttle clip retainers, but if its those, how do I seal them without blocking th hole the clip sits in? What should I use?

I am very worried, the car is just oozing water I thought the V6 sunroof leak was bad, but this is ridiculous bad.

[suzublu]

Try the white clips around the base of the windscreen http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...read.php?t=411

[MarkS]

I have a suggestion. Others may shoot me down for my idea:

Buy some coloured food dyes. Mix with water, and pour one colour around one rear light cluster, another colour around the other rear light cluster, another colour around the boot hinges, another colour in the plenum, another colour on the sunroof, all the usual suspects etc.

Then wait to see what colour the carpet changes.

Once the fault area is identified, sort the problem, dry the car thouroughly with a dehumidifier, and use Dr Beckmans Carpet cleaner to clean the carpets (this is highly recommended to clean the carpets back to new condition (it is amazing on oil stains et al)).

You may want to try the carpet cleaner on the dye first.

I identified a leak from a bathroom into a downstairs ceiling by this method.

[Dawn]

Its not from the rear, or it wouldn't be coming thru the bonnet and boot releases. And I don't have a sunroof.

Suzublu, ate they the scuttle clip retainers? They look like them. I am sure I read somewhere they crack, but how can I seal inside without it sticking the clips as well? It has to be those or the screen, surely?

[Animesis]

I had a cracked one, it was incredible the amount of water that was wicking into the front, driving in the rain i got a long drizzle of water pour over my foot!
They are very cheap, carefully remove any broken ones and simply put a new one in, problem solved! To test/look for broken scuttle clip cups, remove scuttle clip then gently pour some water down the hole and see if its coming in
Or peer into the scuttle clip hole with a torch if you are tall enough and you Might see any damage to them

http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru....php?p=2428583

https://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/Item--i-EYC101450 and the part if thats the issue

[Dawn]

Originally Posted by Animesis

I had a cracked one, it was incredible the amount of water that was wicking into the front, driving in the rain i got a long drizzle of water pour over my foot!
They are very cheap, carefully remove any broken ones and simply put a new one in, problem solved! To test/look for broken scuttle clip cups, remove scuttle clip then gently pour some water down the hole and see if its coming in
Or peer into the scuttle clip hole with a torch if you are tall enough and you Might see any damage to them

http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru....php?p=2428583

https://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/Item--i-EYC101450 and the part if thats the issue

Thank you! I didn't know new ones were still available! I might replace them all at that price. Do they just pop out with a flat screwdriver? Anything is worth a try, its so wet!

[MarkS]

Pour neat food dye around the windscreen, another colour on the scuttle clips, another colour in the plenum and all the usual suspects. You have your suspicions where the problem lies. Use this method to confirm which it is. You NEED to identify WHERE the leak (or leaks) is coming from first.

ONCE the leak is found, if it is not the scuttle clips, Captain Tolley's Creeping Crack Cure is far far better than Silicone, as it follows the water into the car and seals up any leaks it follows.

Good luck.